Did McDonald's 'endorse' Donald Trump?

Former President Donald Trump caused a stir on social media when he stepped behind the counter at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania on Sunday, manning the fries station and interacting with customers.

The visit took place in Feasterville-Trevose , a swing voter area northeast of Philadelphia, as part of Trump’s campaign stop. Wearing an apron over his suit, he joked to reporters, stating he was “applying for a job at McDonald’s” and had “always wanted to do this” after stepping off his plane. A month prior, Trump had hinted at an interest in working at the fast-food chain. During his time at the restaurant, he was guided by an employee through the process of frying, salting, and boxing the fries. Known for his fondness for fast food, Trump was reportedly surprised that handling the fries with his hands was unnecessary.

Trump’s visit to this Bucks County McDonald's followed his sharp criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris ’ comments about having worked at McDonald's during her university years. The photos of the visit led to speculation on social media, with some users questioning whether the fast-food giant had endorsed Trump.

Soon after the images circulated online, speculation grew, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with some suggesting Trump’s appearance was a result of a McDonald’s endorsement. Supporters hailed it as evidence of corporate backing for Trump, while critics called for a boycott of the chain.

However, McDonald’s operates on a franchise model, with most of its locations independently owned and operated. Franchise owners must adhere to corporate guidelines but retain the autonomy to invite political candidates without approval from the company's headquarters.

Following the circulation of the images, McDonald's issued an internal memo clarifying that it had not invited Trump to the location, nor was it endorsing any candidate in the upcoming presidential election . “McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office, and that remains true in this race for president. We are not red or blue — we are golden,” the memo stated, signed by McDonald's President Joe Erlinger, along with the company’s chief financial officer and national field president.

According to the Associated Press, the event was organised by Jim Worthington, a local Trump supporter and fundraiser, who owns a nearby sports complex. The Trump campaign had approached Worthington about finding a McDonald's location in Pennsylvania for a visit, intending to appeal to working-class voters in the key swing state and provide Trump with a platform to criticise Harris. Worthington reached out to Derek Giacomantonio, the franchise owner, who, although initially concerned about corporate backlash and the potential impact on his business, ultimately agreed to host the event after receiving assurances.